Expressions of Faith: Four Verbs

Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

(1 Peter 2:17 NIV)

Four Verbs

Respect. Popular song of the 60s when African Americans were struggling for more equal stratus. 

Love. It's all you need, according to the Beatles. I'm pretty sure Peter's talking more about compassionate love.

Fear: Not the "be afraid of" kind of fear. This is a reverential fear for an omniscient, omnipresent, Father.

Honor. Still part of traditional wedding ceremonies. I've received several honors in my career. It's a special feeling to be honored.

In this verse the three verbs listed are applied to progressively smaller groups.

• Peter says everyone should be respected-not always easy.
• Loving the family of God is (should be) easier.
• Fearing God isn't easy in today's noisy world. Throughout the Bible, people spent time alone, quietly communing with God. This is where reverential fear begins.
• Interestingly, the emperor is listed last. Could Peter be implying that Emperors should receive the benefits of all four verbs?

Next Friday's Expression of Faith Series: Good Suffering

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